12 Famous Pirates With Legendary Reputations

Perhaps the most famous pirate of them all, Edward Teach — better known as Blackbeard — instilled fear across the Caribbean Sea and the U.S. coast. His flagship, Queen Anne's Revenge, was a former French slave ship turned heavily armed pirate ship.

Despite his fearsome reputation, the Royal Navy ultimately defeated him.

Captain Henry Morgan attacked Spanish ports and plundered Spanish ships with ruthless efficiency. Although feared for his brutality, he was later knighted and became the Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica. His exploits inspired the swashbuckling legends that influenced "Pirates of the Caribbean."

One of the few female pirates in recorded history, Anne Bonny defied expectations and took to the high seas. She fought alongside other pirates, including her lover Calico Jack. Captured by the Royal Navy, her fate remains a mystery, but her legacy as a fierce and independent pirate endures.

Famed for designing the classic pirate flag (the Jolly Roger) Calico Jack was a pirate captain who ruled the Caribbean Sea. He commanded his ship and had two women — Anne Bonny and Mary Read — in his crew.

A female pirate who disguised herself as a man, Mary Read sailed alongside Anne Bonny and Calico Jack. She had a fierce temper and impressive combat skills, holding her own against other pirates.

One of the most successful pirates of all time, Black Bart supposedly captured over 400 merchant ships during his reign of terror. He was a ruthless pirate who thrived in the Golden Age of piracy and commanded his own ship with an iron grip. His luck ran out when the Royal Navy killed him.

Originally commissioned as a pirate hunter, Captain Kidd turned to piracy himself. He attacked merchant ships and Spanish fleet vessels, accumulating great wealth before being captured. His execution in London remains one of the most famous pirate trials in history.

An extremely cruel French buccaneer, François l’Olonnais raided Spanish ports and slaughtered captured pirates and sailors alike. He was a ruthless pirate who terrorized the Spanish fleet and became a legend among other pirates.

A fierce and rebellious pirate captain, Charles Vane refused to accept a pardon and continued raiding Spanish ships and merchant vessels. However, after being marooned by his crew, he was later captured and hanged.

Nicknamed the "Gentleman Pirate," Stede Bonnet was an unusual pirate who abandoned his wealthy life to embrace piracy. His story became one of the most unusual tales of the era.

Feared for his cruelty, Edward Low was a ruthless pirate who tortured captured pirates and prisoners. He roamed the Atlantic, preying on merchant ships and leaving a bloody trail behind him. His fate is uncertain, but some accounts suggest that Portuguese authorities hanged him.

A pirate who managed to retire in wealth, Christopher Condent was one of the few pirates who avoided execution. He terrorized Spanish ships and captured a valuable treasure ship before settling down in France. His story remains unique among infamous pirates, as most met far grislier ends.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.